Candidate

Oak entered the coffeehouse and walked straight towards Demenik's booth in the back.

Demenik finished chewing his mouthful of food and smiled at his friend. "Want something to drink?"

Oak shook his head. "I have an Élu candidate ready to speak with you."

Demenik placed the sandwich on its plate and used a napkin to wipe his hands. "Which one?"

"Guy named Christoph. He borrowed some money and now says he can't pay it back."

"You hurt him yet?"

Oak shrugged. "A bit, but I don't want to go too hard and lose him. He's a good fellow and shows promise."

"Is this the same Christoph we talked about a few weeks ago?"

"Yeah."

Demenik shook his head and picked up his mug. "It doesn't speak well of a candidate if they don't pay their debts on time."

"Like I said, I have increased his load to past the breaking point. He was a regular payer on the small amounts, but I extended more than he can ever pay back. He came to me before the loan is due to let me know it was gonna be a concern."

"I like that."

"Yeah. He's done well at each step of the process and now it's time for you to meet him. He's drowning and we either pull him onto our boat or let him sink."

Demenik sighed. "Clever term to use, considering his job."

"Thanks." Oak smiled as he stood. "He's outside, waiting. Want me to send him in or come out?"

"What do you think?"

"I'll send him in."

Demenik pushed his plate to the side and a server appeared to take it away. A few moments later, the door opened and a young man shuffled in, clearly out of place with his sailor garb. Demenik caught the young man's eye and waved him over. When he got close to the table, Demenik smiled and indicated the seat across from him.

"Grab a seat. It's Christoph, right?"

"Yes, sir."

"Please, call me Demenik."

"Don't sound correct to do so, sir."

"I insist."

"All right."

Christoph sat down and looked around, his shoulders stooped and his eyes darting from the floor to other tables around them.

"Oak tells me that you might not be able to pay what you owe."

The young man shook his head. "There's no way I'll be able to pay it all back in time."

"That's not good."

"I know, sir." Demenik opened his mouth to correct him and Christoph nodded. "I mean Demenik I want to tell you why."

"Why doesn't matter."

"It doesn't?"

"Of course not." Demenik crossed his arms and leaned back.

"How come?"

"A loan was given with clear terms of repayment. Is there anything you can say which will change that?"

"No."

"If you tell me a wondrous story, do you expect me to declare that the loan can be forgotten?"

Christoph bowed his head. "I don't suppose so."

"Will an extension of time allow you to earn enough to pay it back?"

"It would need to be a long extension."

"Is that a yes?"

Christoph hesitated before answering. "Yes."

"You say the word, but the tone in your voice indicates the opposite." Demenik tapped the desk. "Have you seen what happens when Oak doesn't get his money back?"

"I thought it was your money."

"Did I hand it to you?"

"No. Oak did."

Demenik spread his hands and shrugged. "There you have it, then."

"I have heard stories about Oak."

"I can assure you that they are all true." Demenik shook his head. "You are in serious danger, Christoph."

"There must be something I can do to clear the debt."

"What do you mean?"

"Perhaps you will loan me enough to pay Oak."

"Why would I do something like that? You have just admitted that you cannot pay the money back."

"With coin." Christoph paused, then leaned forward. "I hear that sometimes you accept other forms of payment. Information or service."

Demenik nodded and tilted up his chin to scratch his beard. "I do that occasionally."

Christoph nodded and smiled. "I work on a trade ship. There must be some way I can help you."

"Your father captains the ship, if I recall."

"He is captain and owner of the ship, Fury's Pride."

"Right. It brings exotic spices and metals from across the ocean."

"Yes."

"How could that benefit me?"

"There must be some way."

Demenik tapped his fingers against the table and nodded. After a moment, he stopped tapping and squinted at Christoph. "Perhaps there is a way, but I must ask a very important question of you first."

"Of course."

"You are nineteen, correct?"

"Yes, sir."

"Shouldn't you have a ship of your own by now? I understand that your father is very wealthy amongst the traders. He owns a fleet of more than a dozen ships, and he rarely loses one during voyages abroad, which speaks well of his abilities."

"I am the fourth son. My eldest two brothers help my father run the fleet since one of them will inherit it. I will not build a fortune simply to have it taken by my brothers upon the death of my father."

"I see. And he will not fund you to start another fleet?"

"To compete with his own?" Christoph shook his head. "That would be a foolish business decision, Demenik."

Demenik shrugged. "With a narrow vision, perhaps. I sense that you have little reason to be loyal to your family."

"I am loyal, even though it will not benefit me during my lifetime."

"If I were to buy the debt from Oak and offer you an opportunity to repay me through service, it would involve being loyal to me over your family."

"I must first be loyal to myself, Demenik. If a deal with you will lift the debt hanging over me, then I am open to considering it."

Demenik smiled. "Then let me make you an offer."

***

Oak waited until Christoph had left before entering the coffeehouse and sitting down at Demenik's booth.

"Did he go for it?"

"He did."

"Excellent. Did you bring up the concept of Élu with him?"

"No, it is much too early for that. We will give him a series of tasks to measure his loyalty, intelligence, and potential. If he does well over the next few years, then I will broach the subject of entry into the Élu."

"I have a few other candidates that match the profile."

"From what aspects of life?"

"A farmer, alchemist, baker, cobbler, and soldier. None of them stand in line to inherit their family business."

"Perfect. Bring them to me when you are able."

"It will take some time to get them ready."

Demenik smiled. "This is a long game, Oak. I am prepared to wait an adequate amount of time."

"Do you want any more sailors?"

"Of course."

Oak stood up. "I'll get back to work."